Coconut Board Registration

Overview

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, established by the Coconut Development Act, 1995, and registered under the Companies Act, 1956, to promote productivity and export of coconut-based products from India.

CDB issues a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) to businesses involved in production, processing, or export of coconut and coconut products, entitling them to various benefits and subsidies.

The Board has its head office in Kochi, Kerala, with regional offices in Guwahati (Assam), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), and Patna (Bihar).

An RCMC is valid for five years, after which holders must apply for renewal before expiry to maintain their certification.

Objectives

  • Access CDB benefits and subsidies to improve profitability and competitiveness
  • Demonstrate commitment and validation within the coconut industry
  • Establish and maintain good relationships with CDB and other stakeholders
  • Qualify for participation in certain tenders or contracts requiring RCMC

Eligibility Criteria

Applicable For

  • Growers, processors, manufacturers, and exporters of coconut products
  • Businesses engaged in any coconut-based industry seeking export subsidies

Documents Required

1.Memorandum & Articles of Association (for companies)
2.Self-attested copy of PAN card
3.Partnership deed (for partnership firms)
4.Proof of business registration (for proprietors)
5.Import–Export Code (IEC) certificate/details
6.Self-attested copy of GST registration certificate
7.Details of certifications (ISO, US FDA, etc.) if applicable
8.MSME / Udyam / SSI certificate and details of machinery & products (for manufacturers)

Products Covered

  • Kernel-based coconut products
  • Copra
  • Coconut oil
  • Coconut milk
  • Coconut cream
  • Virgin coconut oil
  • Desiccated coconut
  • Coconut skimmed milk
  • Spray-dried coconut milk powder
  • Coconut water and tender coconut water
  • Nata-de-coco
  • Coconut squash
  • Coconut-based vinegar
  • Coconut inflorescence products (neera, toddy)
  • Coconut jaggery & palm sugar
  • Coconut flower syrup
  • Coconut convenience foods (burfi, candy, biscuits, chocolate)
  • Coconut shell products (activated carbon, shell powder, charcoal)

Roles

  • Develop and promote the coconut industry through targeted measures
  • Provide technical advice to cultivators and processors
  • Offer financial and other assistance for industry expansion
  • Encourage adoption of modern processing technologies
  • Advocate incentive pricing for coconut and its products
  • Recommend marketing improvements and regulatory measures
  • Fix grades, specifications, and standards for quality control
  • Finance research to improve production, quality, and yield
  • Collect and publish industry statistics and research
  • Undertake publicity and publish educational materials

Guidelines

  • Declare your main line of business when applying for RCMC
  • Only businesses engaged in the coconut industry are eligible for CDB RCMC
  • Non-compliance with CDB rules may lead to delisting after a show-cause notice
  • Delisted members receive an opportunity to represent their case before final removal
  • Familiarize yourself with all rules and guidelines governing RCMC membership

Renewal & Validity

Validity: 5 years

Renewal Window: Apply for renewal before current certificate expires